The staff and students of Berta Weathersbee Elementary School have earned recognition from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and the state Department of Education.

Under Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System, the school won a bronze award for making significant gains in student achievement during the 2008-09 school year.

To be recognized at the bronze level, at least 20 percent of students had to exceed standards in all test areas of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test, the school had to place in the 95th percentile or higher statewide in greatest student achievement gains, and avoid “needs improvement” status.

“Everyone here is extremely excited,” principal Lorraine Jackson said. “As a staff, we work hard to develop a school improvement plan that meets our children where they are, yet sets very high expectations for all students. Working together, we follow this plan, evaluate the results, and make adjustments when needed. Being recognized for our gains is wonderful, but the real joy comes from seeing the progress our students are making.”

Success on the CRCT among Berta Weathersbee students was marked by significant gains across grade levels and subjects. Students in the first, third, and fifth grades saw gains ranging from three to 31 percentage points in all subject areas except social studies, where new curriculum was tested for the first time.

In addition to the hard work of students and staff, Jackson credits business and community partners for the success.

“Our Partners in Education and faith-based partners have helped to motivate and inspire students by providing one-on-one tutoring and student incentives,” she said.

In a letter to Jackson, Kathleen Mathers, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, said, “It takes the collaborative effort of teachers, principals, and parents working with students to reap this level of success, and I applaud your entire school community for this accomplishment.”